The City’s Parks Operations and Forestry division took home the top award in the best median and boulevard planting category for its “four corners yellow bed” garden, located at the corner of Macdonell and Wyndham streets. The winners in five categories were announced yesterday, August 18, at the Landscape Ontario and University of Guelph Trial Gardens open house in Milton.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the efforts, competitive spirit, and Guelph pride that our horticulture team brings to its work every day to make Guelph a beautiful place to live, work and play,” says Wayne Gould, supervisor of Infrastructure and Horticulture. The team that worked on the winning display included Andrea Harris, Emma Burger, Thuy Le, Stephanie LaPointe and Jessica Ince.

The annual floral display competition is an opportunity for municipal parks staff to showcase their horticultural talents. Judging criteria for the median and boulevard plantings category included: overall design and streetscape impact, quality of maintenance, and potential for long-term display. The City’s 2016 entry was up against displays by the City of Toronto, City of Woodstock, and City of Amherstburg.

In 2015, the City of Guelph won first place in the best medium to large garden category for its garden design and display in the City Hall courtyard.